Universidad Simón Bolívar

ID2126

Week 2: Language Improvement


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Do you have problems expressing yourself in English?


Some learners have problems expressing their ideas in English, and most of the times they don't know why.
  1. Vocabulary: One of the most common answers is that they may have a very limited vocabulary. How would you be able to communicate your ideas if you do not know how to name things in English? Building up your vocabulary can help you become more fluent while speaking and also understand better while listening to other speakers. In short, mastering vocabulary is a PLUS when talking about Language Learning.
  2. Pronunciation: Knowing the words is not the only important thing, knowing how to pronounce them also plays an important role. The correct pronunciation of the words can guide you through efficient communication in the target language.
  3. Grammar: Another common problem is syntax. Do you find it correct when someone uses the grammar of your native tongue inappropriately? The same thing happens when you use the target language incorrectly. Sometimes listeners can't understand you because you are not using grammar in the right manner!

Week 2 Objectives:


The aim of this unit is to help you improve your use of English through:
  • Vocabulary building
  • Pronunciation Practice
  • Grammar Practice

Week 2 Lesson Plan: Language Improvement


Day 1: Vocabulary Building, Pronunciation, & a bit of Grammar


1. First read all the instructions in this page, then click on this link to enter The English Vocabulary official site. Select your native language and click on GO. Once inside you will find a list of different categories. You can try as many as you want, but in the Vocabulary lessons scheduled for today (listed below), you will find the ones your teachers suggest for Architecture and Urban Planning students.

Each category will lead you to:
  • vocabulary lists organized by topic
  • phonetic pronunciation
  • printable lessons and exercises that can help you memorize new words

Go over each list paying special attention to words, pronunciation of those words and their meaning. Contact your teacher in case you need some help.
Check detailed information and printable exercises

Vocabulary Lesson 1

Vocabulary Lesson 2

Vocabulary Lesson 3

Vocabulary Lesson 4

(The City):
Buildings and Dwellings

City Parts
Shops & Stores
(The House):
Parts of the house
Baby room, Bathroom
Bedroom Dining room
Garden, Kitchen
Living room, Utility room
Workshop
(The Things):
Colors and Patterns
Shapes and Textures
(Transportation):
Means of transport
Airport & Planes

2. Using the phonetic pronunciation provided in one of the columns of each list, practice the pronunciation of those words. If you are not sure about how to pronounce them, ask your teacher for help or consult the Merriam Webster On-Line Dictionary.

3. Make a list with the new vocabulary and those words you consider more difficult, and record them in Springdoo. Send the recording to your teacher by email.

4. Start adding new words to our Class Glossary in Moodle!!! Add all of the ones that are new to you.

Note:
If you want to continue practicing English, here are other interesting and useful sites concerning Vocabulary and Grammar:
Two-Part Phrasal Verbs/Idioms Adjective Clauses Prepositions of Spatial Relationship Prepositions of Location, Prepositions of direction, Prepositions of time and place, Adjective or Adverb, The Use and Non-Use of Articles (a, an, the) (highly recommended), Review of English Grammar (excellent, quite complete), On-line Writing Report



Day 2: Pronunciation &Vocabulary building


  • Have you ever heard about phonetic symbols? Do you know the Phonetic Table? Click on it and start discovering how vowels, consonants and diphthongs are pronounced in English.
  • Have you ever asked yourself what American English sounds like? Try Phonetics: The sound of American English and you will quickly find out. Explore this site fully. It is of much help.
  • Have you ever used music to practice pronunciation and improve your fluency? Do you like singing in English? First, select your favorite song to practice pronunciation. Second, listen to the song and watch the video. Third, open the English activity of your song in a different window and fill in the blank spaces while you practice vocabulary as you listen. Once the exercise has been completed, read the lyrics and sing along!!!!
  • After having done all the activities scheduled for Week 2, please go on to VOCABULARY AND PRONUNCIATION REVIEW.